DE102018108069A1 - Valve and valve assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve (2) having a valve housing (4), comprising a housing cover (6), a housing bottom (10) and an intermediate housing (8) arranged between the housing cover (6) and the housing bottom (10), the valve housing (4) a valve chamber (12) encloses, which comprises a flow chamber (24) and an actuating chamber (26), wherein the valve housing (4) at least one of the flow chamber (24) into the actuating chamber (26) opening out the valve opening (14) and wherein within the actuating chamber (26) at least one between a closed position for closing the valve opening (14) and an open position for releasing the valve opening (14) axially movable actuator (16) serving to actuate the actuating element (16) in the opening direction wire - or band-shaped SMA element (18) made of a shape memory alloy, serving for moving the adjusting element (16) in the closing direction return element (20) un d) a printed circuit board (22) are arranged, wherein the SMA element (18) with a central portion (18c) fixed to the adjusting element (16) and for applying current with its ends (18a, 18b) to the printed circuit board (22) is electrically connected, wherein the flow chamber (24) and the actuating chamber (26) by a valve opening (14) having separating wall (28) are separated from each other such that the valve (2) upon actuation of the actuating element (16) by flowing fluid through the flow chamber (24) is passed. Furthermore, the invention relates to a valve arrangement (100) with a plurality of such valves (2).

Description

The invention relates to a valve with a valve housing which encloses a valve space and has at least one valve opening. To actuate such a valve, an adjusting element is arranged within the valve chamber, which is movable between a closed position for closing the valve opening and an open position for releasing the valve opening. Furthermore, the invention relates to a valve arrangement with a plurality of valves.

The movement of the actuating element between the open and closed positions can be effected by means of shape memory alloys (SMA), for example in the form of wires. These are alloys that can exist in two different crystal structures depending on their temperature. At room temperature there is a martensitic structure with a tetragonal-body-centered lattice, which transforms from a transformation temperature of about 80 ° C into an austenitic microstructure with a cubic face-centered lattice. Therefore, a wire made of such a shape memory alloy has a property of shortening from a martensite to an austenite structure due to lattice transformation when heated above the transformation temperature. To heat the SMA element, this is usually supplied with current, which makes it shorter and thus can move the actuator.

Out DE 10 2005 060 217 For example, a valve with a valve housing enclosing a pressure chamber is known, wherein a plunger for opening and closing a valve opening is arranged within the pressure chamber. The plunger is thereby actuated to open the valve opening of an SMA element, which is electrically connected to a disposed within the valve housing circuit board to be energized can. The SMA element is arranged within the pressure chamber and therefore exposed directly to the volume flow of the valve, that is, the incoming or out through the valve openings in the pressure chamber air.

Such a valve or a valve arrangement can be used for filling media stores z. As fluid bubbles, in particular air bubbles or air bags, are used in the field of automobile seats. The known valves with only one actuator can be used either for filling or emptying the bladder. They are not individually suitable for holding a pressure in the bladder. For this purpose, a combination of two valves is necessary with the known valves.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a valve and a valve assembly, which is improved in terms of the disadvantages mentioned.

The first object is achieved by a valve having the features according to claim 1. The valve has a valve housing comprising a housing cover, a housing bottom and an intermediate housing arranged between the housing cover and the housing bottom. The valve housing encloses a valve chamber, which comprises a flow chamber and an actuation chamber, wherein the valve housing has at least one valve opening opening into the actuation chamber from the flow chamber. In the present case, the term "valve chamber" is to be understood as meaning the entire interior space of the valve surrounded by the valve housing. Within the actuating chamber are at least one between a closed position for closing the valve opening and an open position for releasing the valve opening axially movable actuator, serving for actuating the actuating element in the opening direction or stroke direction wire or band-shaped SMA element of a shape memory alloy, a for moving the Control element arranged in the closing direction or return direction serving return element and a circuit board. The SMA element is fixed to actuate the actuating element with a central portion of the actuator and electrically connected to the application of power with its ends directly or indirectly to the circuit board. The flow chamber and the actuation chamber are fluidically separated from each other by a partition wall having the valve opening such that a fluid flowing through the valve upon actuation of the actuation element is passed through the flow chamber. For the purposes of the present invention, a "valve opening opening from the flow chamber into the actuation chamber" is to be understood as meaning that the valve opening may be formed at a boundary between flow chamber and actuation chamber, and that the valve opening in the flow chamber is aligned with another opening the actuating chamber may be arranged so that the valve opening can be closed by the actuating element arranged in the actuating element.

The valve chamber, through which a fluid, in particular air flows, is divided in the valve according to the invention into two fluidically substantially separate subspaces, namely an actuating chamber or an actuator chamber, within which all components required for actuating the valve or for opening the valve opening are arranged, and a flow chamber through which the fluid can flow.

In this case, a first region of the flow chamber and a second region of the flow chamber via the valve opening and / or a connecting channel are interconnected, wherein the valve opening and / or the connecting channel are closed in the closed position of the actuating element and released in the open position of the actuating element. The first and the second region of the flow chamber are thus arranged on different sides of the valve opening and connected to each other via a connecting channel or a connecting region, wherein the first and the second region are fluidly connected to one another only when the valve opening is open. Under connection channel is the valve area between the actuator for closing and releasing the valve opening and the valve opening surrounding the sealing seat to understand, for example, completely surrounds the actuator. When the valve opening is closed, the connection channel is connected to one of the two regions of the flow chambers, so that the fluid also distributes within the connection channel or the valve region. The connecting channel can be formed in an edge region of the actuating chamber.

For supplying air into the flow chamber, the first region of the flow chamber is connected to an air supply unit or can be connected or the valve has a pressure connection opening into the first region of the flow chamber. The second region of the flow chamber is connected to a media reservoir, for example an air cushion of a vehicle seat with contour adjustment, or has a consumer connection opening into the second region of the flow chamber so that the media reservoir can be filled with air when the valve is open. For discharging air from the flow chamber, ie for emptying the media reservoir, the flow chamber is connected via an opening with the atmosphere or connectable. When the valve opening is open, a fluid, in particular air, flows through the flow chamber and, for example, when filling the media reservoir with air from the first, connected to the air supply unit region of the flow chamber via the connecting channel in the second region of the flow chamber and to the media storage. When emptying the media reservoir, the fluid flows back into the flow chamber and from there through the opening to the atmosphere out of the valve. The opening is preferably formed in the housing cover which limits the flow chamber on the upper side.

Within the second region of the flow chamber, an actuator is arranged in the valve according to the invention, which is rotatably or pivotally mounted on the intermediate housing and coupled to the actuator that the opening to the atmosphere released in the closed position befindendem actuator and the opening at in Release position befindendem actuator is closed. In or on the valve opening, a first check valve is provided, which prevents in the open position of the actuating element, a backflow of fluid from the second region of the flow chamber via the valve opening in the first region of the flow chamber.

The actuator preferably carries a second sealing element on a section facing the opening to the atmosphere and / or comprises a restoring element, for example a spring or leaf spring, which pretensions the actuator in the closing direction of the opening. With such a variant, a cyclic filling and venting of the media reservoir can be achieved, it being ensured that the valve and thus the media reservoir are always vented when not actuated actuator of the valve.

The first check valve is preferably arranged on the side of the second region of the flow chamber.

Conveniently, the actuator comprises a shift finger on an end portion facing the actuator, and the first check valve is formed by a arranged on the shift finger a third sealing element and arranged in the partition valve seat. The shift finger may include a projection which serves to position the third sealing element. The valve seat is arranged on the side of the valve opening facing the second region of the flow chamber. On the side facing the actuating chamber of the valve opening, however, the sealing seat is arranged, which is closed or released by actuating the actuating element, in particular by means of a first sealing element.

The third sealing element may be a plate-shaped element. The plate-shaped element may in particular be designed as a circular disk with a through hole.

In one embodiment, the third sealing element made of metal, plastic or elastomer is formed. In a preferred embodiment of the valve, the partition wall separating the flow chamber and the actuation chamber is formed by the intermediate housing of the valve, that is to say formed integrally therewith. Thus, the flow chamber is advantageously formed by the intermediate housing or partially enclosed and closed on the upper side of the housing cover and / or the actuating chamber is formed by the intermediate housing or partially enclosed and the underside of the housing bottom locked. This has the advantage that no further, separate components are required for the formation of the two chambers, so that a cost-effective production and easy installation of the valve can be achieved. In order to further reduce the number of components required for the functionality of the valve, in an advantageous embodiment, the pressure connection and / or the consumer connection and guide means for guiding the adjusting element and / or fastening means for fixing the circuit board within the valve housing are formed integrally with the intermediate housing or integrated into this.

In a preferred embodiment, the flow chamber and the actuation chamber are fluidically connected via at least one air gap. The air gap or fluid channel is thus arranged in a region surrounding the valve opening, leading in particular from the flow chamber, in particular the connecting channel or the valve region and / or the first region of the flow chamber into the actuating chamber. Although a pressure equalization between the flow chamber and the actuating chamber is ensured by the fluidic connection of the flow chamber and the actuation chamber through the at least one fluid channel or air gap even when the valve opening is closed, only a secondary flow of the flow fluid flows into the actuation chamber and thus around the SMA. Elements that are cooled by the flow fluid. Due to the small volume of the actuation chamber, the pressure is quickly equalized.

At the first, the valve opening facing end portion, the adjusting element in particular a valve opening occlusive sealing element, which laterally spaced to form the at least one air gap in front of the receiving space forming intermediate wall ends.

In a further preferred refinement, a second end section of a consumer connection facing the second region of the flow chamber has a greater clear width than a first end section facing the media reservoir, in particular the end section of the consumer connection facing the flow chamber facing the media reservoir from the intermediate housing and / or the housing cover and the media storage end facing portion are formed by the intermediate housing. In other words, the end section of the consumer connection, at which the fluid exits the flow chamber or flows into the consumer connection, is conically shaped or funnel-shaped. This avoids turbulence and improves the flow to the media store. The pressure connection and / or the consumer connection are therefore preferably designed such that they have a first end facing away from a free end, the valve chamber end portion and a second end portion facing the valve chamber, wherein the second end portion is at least partially radially narrowed in the circumferential direction , In other words, a free end of the pressure port and / or the consumer port or the connecting piece has a smaller outer diameter than an end facing the valve chamber, so that a plugging of the tube is simplified. Due to the partial radial narrowing of the second end portion, a rear grip surface is formed, whereby a plugged onto the nozzle hose can be secured or secured against removal.

The object to provide a valve assembly is achieved by a valve assembly having the features of claim 11. The valve assembly comprises a plurality, in particular in each case designed in the manner described above valves. The valve housing of a valve respectively enclosing valve housing, in particular the intermediate housing and / or housing cover and / or housing bases, and / or the circuit boards are integrally formed. In other words, the valve chambers of all valves of the valve assembly are enclosed by a common valve housing or a common intermediate housing and / or housing cover and / or housing bottom. Furthermore, all of the SMA elements of the plurality of valves are electrically connected to a common circuit board. This significantly reduces the number of components required. Such a valve arrangement is integrated, for example, in a vehicle seat with contour adjustment or massage function.

In an advantageous embodiment, the plurality of valves has a common pressure port, which respectively opens into the valve chamber, in particular into the flow chamber, particularly preferably into the first region of the flow chamber of the valves or a region encompassing the first regions of the flow chambers or respectively with the valve chamber, in particular the flow chamber, particularly preferably the first region of the flow chambers or the region is connected via at least one air duct, each valve having a separate opening for connecting the valve chamber, in particular the flow chamber with the atmosphere, which opens in particular in the second region of the flow chamber. In other words, the valve chambers of all valves are fluidically connected to the common pressure connection, in particular via air channels and / or chambers or regions for supplying air which are integrated in or formed by the intermediate housing Air in the respective valve chambers or flow chambers, more precisely in the first regions of the flow chambers. In addition, the valve chambers of all the valves are each connected via an opening to the atmosphere, in particular by integrated in the intermediate housing or formed by this air channels and / or chambers for discharging air from the respective valve chambers or flow chambers, more precisely from the second regions of flow chambers. By closing the first check valve while closing the opening to the atmosphere, the pressure in the media reservoir is kept constant. Such a valve arrangement can be used for example for vehicle seats with massage function.

In a preferred embodiment, the valve spaces of the plurality of valves are at least separated from the receiving space for the electronic contacting of the printed circuit board by a partition, wherein the partition wall is in particular formed integrally with the intermediate housing. The several valves can be actuated independently of each other in order to selectively fill or vent individual air cushions.

In this case, the partitions in particular have a passage opening, which is pneumatically sealed in the assembled state, for the printed circuit board.

In a further advantageous variant, guide elements are arranged in an air channel leading from the air supply unit to the air chamber (s) in such a way that a fluid flowing into or through the flow chambers has a laminar flow. Thus, a directed flow is generated, so that also turbulences are avoided, which can reduce the flow. Furthermore, this reduces the noise development within the valve or the valve arrangement.

• 1 eine Schnittdarstellung eines Ventils gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform in Schließstellung,
• 2A ein Ausschnitt des Ventils aus 1 in Öffnungsstellung,
• 2B ein Ausschnitt des Ventils aus 1 in Schließstellung,
• 3A Ausschnitt wie 2A, B eines Ventils gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform bei geöffnetem ersten Rückschlagventil,
• 3B Ausschnitt wie 2A, B eines Ventils gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform bei geschlossenem ersten Rückschlagventil,
• 4A, B ein Stellglied zum Verschließen und Freigeben der Atmosphärenöffnung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform,
• 5A, B ein Stellglied zum Verschließen und Freigeben der Atmosphärenöffnung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform,
• 6 Detaildarstellung des ersten Rückschlagventils,
• 7 eine Ventilanordnung mit mehreren Ventilen mit einem Zwischengehäuse gemäß einer Ausführungsform in einer Explosionsdarstell ung,
• 8 eine Draufsicht auf ein Zwischengehäuse einer Ventilanordnung gemäß einer Ausführungsform.

The invention will be explained below with regard to further features and advantages with reference to the description of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each shows in a schematic schematic diagram:

• 1 a sectional view of a valve according to a first embodiment in the closed position,
• 2A a section of the valve 1 in open position,
• 2 B a section of the valve 1 in closed position,
• 3A Cutout like 2A, B a valve according to a second embodiment with the first check valve open,
• 3B Cutout like 2A, B a valve according to a second embodiment with the first check valve closed,
• 4A, B an actuator for closing and releasing the atmosphere opening according to a first embodiment,
• 5A, B an actuator for closing and releasing the atmosphere opening according to a first embodiment,
• 6 Detail of the first check valve,
• 7 a valve arrangement with a plurality of valves with an intermediate housing according to one embodiment in an exploded view,
• 8th a plan view of an intermediate housing of a valve assembly according to an embodiment.

1 shows a valve 2 with a valve housing 4 , which consists of an upper housing cover 6 , a lower caseback 10 and one between the housing cover 6 and the caseback 10 arranged intermediate housing 8th is composed. The valve housing 4 encloses a valve chamber 12 in which a valve opening 14 empties. Inside the valve chamber 12 is a between a closed position for closing the valve opening 14 and an open position for releasing the valve opening 14 in a direction of movement B axially movable actuator 16 arranged. For actuating the control element 16 in an opening direction or stroke direction H serves a wire-shaped SMA element 18 from a shape memory alloy, which with a middle section 18c on the actuator 16 , more precisely at its first end section 16a is held. For powering the SMA element is 18 with his ends 18a . 18b with a likewise within the valve space 12 arranged circuit board 22 electrically connected.

For movement of the actuating element 16 in a closing direction or return direction R serves a return element 20 , In this case, a helical compression spring having a second end portion 16b of the actuating element 16 concentrically surrounds and connects to a first end to the circuit board 22 and a second end at the first end portion 16b of the actuating element 16 , opposite the second end section 16b is radially widened, supported.

The intermediate housing 8th includes all for the functionality of the valve 2 required components, in other words, all components necessary for this purpose in the intermediate housing 8th self-integrated, as described below.

The valve room 12 is in a flow chamber 24 and an actuation chamber 26 divided by a dividing wall 28 are separated from each other, so that one the valve 2 or the valve space 12 upon actuation of the actuating element 16 flowing fluid only through the flow chamber 24 flows. The flow chamber 24 is doing of the intermediate housing 8th formed and is the top side of the housing cover 6 is closed. The actuation chamber 26 is also from the intermediate housing 8th formed and underside of the housing bottom 10 is closed, whereby the number of required components can be reduced. The actuator 16 as well as the actuation of the actuating element 16 required components, namely the SMA element 18 , the reset element 20 as well as the circuit board 22 , are inside the actuation chamber 26 arranged. The targeted guidance of the fluid flow is an uneven cooling of the SMA element 16 avoided. The partition 28 is integral with the intermediate housing 8th formed or formed on this. The flow chamber 24 has a first area 24a and a second area 24b on that over a connecting channel 24c , in a closed position of the actuating element 16 closed and in an open position of the actuating element 16 is shared with each other.

For supplying air into the valve chamber 12 , more precisely in the flow chamber 24 is their first area 24a connected to an air supply unit or a pneumatic pump or a - in 1 invisible - pressure connection, which is connected or connected to the pneumatic pump via a supply line, opens directly or indirectly into the first area 24a the flow chamber 24 , By releasing the valve opening 14 can supply the supplied air through the connection channel 24c or the valve space 24c and through the valve opening 14 from the first area 24a in the second area 24b stream. The valve 2 is used in particular for filling a - not shown - media storage, such as an air cushion of a vehicle seat with contour adjustment. For this purpose, the valve chamber 12 , more precisely, the flow chamber 24 or their second area 24b with a consumer connection 30 fluidly connected or the consumer connection 30 flows into the second area 24b so that the media reservoir is connected to the valve by means of hoses 2 can be connected. Both the pressure connection and the consumer connection 30 are integral with the intermediate housing 8th trained and do not stand out from this.

Furthermore, the intermediate housing 8th a recording room 34 for receiving the for electrical contacting of the circuit board 22 required components, such as connectors, on, which in 1 in a rear part of the intermediate housing 8th arranged and shown only by dashed lines.

To guide the control element 16 during its operation, on the one hand guide means are provided, which are of the intermediate housing 8th be formed. The guide means comprise an intermediate wall 36 extending from the dividing wall 28 in an area of the valve opening 14 in the direction of movement B in the actuation chamber 26 extends into and integral with the partition 28 or the intermediate housing 8th is trained. The partition 36 bounds a recording room 38 for the upper, the valve opening 14 facing first end portion 16a , To guide the second end portion 16b are guide means in the circuit board 22 integrated, and indeed in the form of a recess formed therein 40 , in the present case a passage opening into which the second end section 16b both in the opening and in the closed position of the actuating element 16 hineinerstreckt. To guide the SMA element 16 has the partition 36 in the direction of movement B extending recesses 27 on.

Thus, also for guiding the control element 16 during an axial movement in the direction of movement B , ie during the actuation of the control element 16 no additional or separate guide means in the form of other components required.

To the valve opening 14 in the closed position - as in 1 shown - reliably close, is at the valve opening 14 facing end portion 16a a the valve opening 14 closing first sealing element 42 arranged, which with a the valve opening 14 surrounding sealing seat.

For controlling the valve 2 and for loading the SMA element 18 with current, a shortening of the same and thus an actuation of the actuating element 16 to effect are the ends 18a . 18b with the circuit board 22 electrically connected, in each case by means of a crimp connector 44 , The ends 18a . 18b of the SMA element 18 are each in a recording 46 of the crimp connector 44 fixed and thus indirectly via the crimp connectors 44 with the circuit board 22 contacted. The crimp connectors 44 protrude perpendicular to the direction of movement B each side with a supernatant A ₁ over the circuit board 22 out. Furthermore, the crimp connectors extend 44 in the stroke direction H from a top 22a the circuit board 22 and parallel to this in the direction of the housing bottom 8th So with a supernatant A ₂ starting from the top 22a the circuit board 22 towards their bottom 22b , where the recording 46 of the crimp connector 44 With Distance in front of the housing bottom 10 ends, so floating within the valve chamber 12 is arranged. One of the recording 46 spaced section 48 of the crimp connector 44 is about clamping means 50 (not shown) electrically to the circuit board 22 connected. This can be the section 48 both flat on the top 22a rest as well as at least partially a small distance to the top 22a exhibit. To one of tolerances of the circuit board 22 or its top 22a to achieve independent connection is the crimp connector 44 or its section 48 completely minimal from the top 22a spaced and the crimp connector 44 is only by the clamping means 50 carried. Each crimp connector 44 In the present case, two each have a recess of the printed circuit board 22 extending, in this case substantially oval and annular clamping means formed 50 on, which are elastically deformable for insertion into the recess and held in the assembled state form and / or non-positively in the recess. The crimp connectors 44 thus provide the electrical connection between the ends fixed thereto 18a . 18b of the SMA element 18 and the circuit board 22 ago. Through the both side and in the stroke direction H protruding crimp connector 44 may be an extra length of the SMA element 18 , namely the length of the diagonal of an imaginary rectangle with the side lengths A ₁ and A ₂ for actuating the control element 16 be used, whereby an overall reduction in the height of the valve 2 is reached. The circuit board 22 even through one in the recording room 34 of the intermediate housing 8th plug-in connector contacted with an electrical connection.

For mounting the circuit board 22 inside the valve chamber 12 has the integral with the intermediate housing 8th trained partition 36 as a fastener two deformable projections 52 on, which are integrally formed on the front side and in the assembled state through a through hole of the circuit board 22 extend and unsolvable with the circuit board 22 are connected. The front side also forms a stop surface for the circuit board 22 out.

This in 1 illustrated valve 2 has another valve opening, namely an opening 32 that the valve room 12 Connects to the atmosphere to allow air to escape from the valve chamber 12 to allow on. Inside the valve chamber 12 or within the flow chamber 24 is an actuator 58 arranged, which rotatably on the intermediate housing 8th stored and with the actuator 16 is actively connected. The actuator 58 is in the 4A . 4B shown in more detail. An alternative embodiment of the actuator 58 is in the 5A and 5B shown. The actuator 58 points to one of the opening 32 facing portion a second sealing element 60 to close the opening 32 on. At one of the actuator 16 facing end portion comprises the actuator 58 a shift finger 62 , which with the actuator 16 is in contact or at the first sealing element 42 is applied. Will the actuator 16 operated and the valve opening 14 is opened, the shift finger 62 due to a return element 64 , in the present case a leaf spring, also moved in the stroke direction and the actuator 58 thus turned around its fulcrum, so that the opening 32 from the second sealing element 60 is closed. Becomes the SMA element 18 no longer energized and the actuator 16 thus due to the return element 20 in the return direction R moves, becomes the shift finger 62 through the actuator 16 or its first sealing element 42 also in the return direction R emotional. Thereby and due to a V-shaped pivot point 66 of the actuator 58 opens the second sealing element 60 the opening 32 , The opening 32 to the atmosphere is thus in the closed position befindendem actuator 16 released and in the release position befindendem actuator 16 is closed. In the in 5A and 5B shown alternative embodiment of the actuator 58 is a return element, not shown 64 with the projections 63 connected. The actuator 58 is rotated about a pivot, not shown. In the second area of the flow chamber 24c is still the first check valve 70 arranged. The first check valve 70 is designed so that there is a flow of fluid from a first region of the flow chamber 24a through the valve opening 14 in the second area of the flow chamber 24c allowed. In the reverse direction, a backflow from the second region of the flow chamber 24c through the valve opening 14 through the first check valve 70 prevented.

2A shows a section of the valve 2 according to 1 in an open position, so that the first area 24a and the second area 24b the flow chamber 24 connecting connection channel 24c and the valve opening 14 can be flowed through by a fluid. 2 B shows the same section of the valve 2 in closed position. For filling a media reservoir, in particular with air, is the first area 24a the flow chamber 24 connectable to an air supply unit. When the valve opening is closed 14 only finds an air exchange between the flow chamber 24 and the actuation chamber 26 over air gaps 92 instead, between the dividing wall 28 and the actuator 16 are trained and the first area 24a the flow chamber 24 and the actuation chamber 26 fluidly interconnect to the pressure within the valve 2 or the valve chamber 12 compensate. The air gap 92 flows in particular into the recording room 38 from the curtain wall 36 is formed. Will the valve opening 14 by actuation of the actuating element 16 opened, flows the fluid or the air in the direction of the dashed arrows from the first area 24a the flow chamber 24 over the connection channel 24c through the valve opening 14 in the second area 24b the flow chamber 24 and not through the actuation chamber 26 , The second area 24b the flow chamber 24 is about the consumer connection 30 connected to the media storage or air cushion, so that the media storage is filled. In this case, the check valve 70 opened by the sealing element 72 in particular a fluid flow from the first region 24a towards the second area 24b allowed. The sealing element 72 is in the embodiment shown with the shift finger 62 of the actuator 58 connected so that the position of the sealing element 72 opposite the shift finger 62 is fixed.

The valve 2 can also be used to empty a media store, as in 2 B shown used. The second area 24b the flow chamber 24 has an opening 32 to the atmosphere through which the fluid flows through the flow chamber 24 leaves (towards the opening 32 pointing arrow).

To a turbulent flow of the fluid entering the consumer port 30 to avoid and thus increase the flow to the media storage is a the second area 24b the flow chamber 24 facing end portion 30a of the consumer connection 30 a larger open space W ₂ has, as a media storage-facing end portion 30b , which has a smaller open space W ₁ having. The consumer connection 30 , in particular the end section 30a is thus funnel-shaped and is in this case the underside of the intermediate housing 8th the flow chamber 24 and on the top side of the housing cover 8th limited.

The air column 92 are in one the valve opening 14 surrounding area, in this case within the partition 36 that from the dividing wall 28 is trained. As a result, a uniform cooling of the SMA elements is achieved because only a side stream of fluid into the actuation chamber 24 occurs to provide pressure equalization. To strong turbulence in the actuation chamber 24 and to avoid excessive entry of the fluid is also an opening cross-section of the air gap 92 less than a cross section of the connection channel 24c or the valve opening 14 , Furthermore, the opening cross-section of the air gap 92 be chosen such that a cooling of the SMA elements is proportional to the flow rate. For the formation of the air gap 92 have the first end portion 16a of the actuating element 16 and the first sealing element arranged thereon 42 also a smaller diameter than a clear width of the receiving space 38 , That the valve opening 14 in the closed position closing first sealing element 42 thus ends the formation of the air duct 92 laterally spaced in front of the receiving space 38 forming intermediate wall 36 , This is when the valve opening is closed 14 an air exchange between the flow chamber 24 and the actuation chamber 26 over the air gap 92 possible.

The first end section 16a of the actuating element 16 has at least one perpendicular to the direction of movement B of the actuating element 16 extending passage opening 54 on, which are centered - in relation to the direction perpendicular to the direction of movement B through the first end section 16a extends through. If the actuator 16 only such a passage opening 54 can, the SMA element 18 according to the "needle-thread principle" through this passage opening 54 be guided and kept it reliable. Alternatively, the passage opening 54 additionally via a lateral slot 56 be accessible, extending from one to the through hole 54 in the direction of movement B of the actuating element 16 spaced position on an outer peripheral surface of the first end portion 16a in the direction of the passage opening 54 , so obliquely from top to bottom, extends. The middle section of the SMA element 16 gets over the slot 56 in the passage opening 54 inserted and is in the assembled state within the passage opening 54 guided, so slipping out of the SMA element 16 prevented and its secure grip is ensured.

Will the actuator 16 operated and the valve opening 14 is opened, the shift finger 62 due to a return element 64 , in the present case a leaf spring, also moved in the stroke direction and the actuator 58 thus turned around its fulcrum, so that the opening 32 from the second sealing element 60 is closed. Becomes the SMA element 18 no longer energized and the actuator 16 thus due to the return element 20 in the return direction R moves, becomes the shift finger 62 through the actuator 16 or its sealing element 38 also in the return direction R emotional. Thereby and due to a V-shaped pivot point 66 of the actuator 58 opens the second sealing element 60 the opening 32 , The opening 32 to the atmosphere is thus in the closed position befindendem actuator 16 released and in the release position befindendem actuator 16 closed so that the second area is ensured 24b the flow chamber 24 of the valve chamber 12 or a media reservoir when the valve is not actuated 2 always vented. The actuation chamber 26 is still with the first area 24a the flow chamber 24 and connected to the pump above. Such a valve will used, for example, in a vehicle seat with massage function, wherein one or more air bags are each cyclically aerated and vented.

3A and 3B show a second embodiment of the valve 2 , This in 3A valve shown differs from that in 2 shown valve in the configuration of the actuator 58 , This in 3A shown valve 2 has the in 5A and 5B shown actuator 58 on. The actuator 58 can with the return element 64 between a release of the opening 32 and a closed position - as in 3A shown - about the fulcrum 66 to be turned around. With the dashed arrows, the flow of the fluid from the first region of the flow chamber through the valve opening 14 , past the first check valve 70 in the second area of the flow chamber 24c shown. The air then flows on to the consumer connection 30 , 3B shows the same valve as in 3A , In this case, however, the first check valve 70 closed so that when the opening is closed 32 to the atmosphere and closed first check valve one through the consumer connection 30 incoming air does not escape from the valve 2 can flow out again and a pressure holding function is achieved.

The first check valve 70 from the 1 and FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B may be particularly as shown in FIG 6 be configured represented. In 6 is an actuator 58 shown at its the actuator 16 facing section a shift finger 62 having. The shift finger 62 reaches through a through hole 73 of the third sealing element 72 by. The third sealing element 72 is configured as a circular disc, which is preferably made of metal or elastomer. The sealing element 72 lies in a closed position of the check valve 70 on the valve seat 74 on, leaving one from the side of the valve seat 74 Direction valve opening 14 flowing fluid the sealing element 72 on the valve seat 74 suppressed. One from the side of the valve opening 14 On the other hand, incoming fluid pushes the third sealing element 72 from the valve seat 74 away, leaving the check valve 70 opens for this flow direction. In this case, the sealing element 72 movable, as in 6 shown on the shift finger 62 or fixed, as in the 2A-3B represented, be configured.

7 shows a valve assembly 100 with several valves 2 in an exploded view. The valve arrangement 100 includes a common valve housing for all valves 2 , In other words: the valve space 12 a valve 2 each enclosing the valve housing, both the intermediate housing 108 , the housing cover 106 and the case back 110 are integrally formed, the valve assembly 100 thus has a common intermediate housing 108 , a common housing cover 106 and a common housing bottom 110 within, within which the respective valve space 12 a valve 2 is trained. Furthermore, the valve arrangement 100 an integrally formed, common circuit board 122 for all valves 2 on. This allows the space required by the multiple valves 2 the valve assembly 100 and the number of components required and the assembly of the valve assembly 100 Significantly reduce compared to previously known valve assemblies.

The valves 2 the exemplary valve assembly 100 are essentially like that based on 1 described valve 2 formed, matching components are provided with the same reference numerals. They each have one inside the valve chamber 12 between a closed position for closing a valve opening and an open position for releasing the valve opening axially movable actuator 16 , a for actuating the control element 16 in the opening direction serving wire-shaped SMA element 18 and one for moving the actuator 16 in the closing direction serving return element 20 on. The SMA elements 18 are in turn with their respective ends by means of a crimp connector 44 electrically with the circuit board 22 connected. With a middle section are the SMA elements 18 each at the associated control element 16 fixed to operate this when subjected to current in a stroke direction. For this purpose, the circuit board 22 about one into a recording room 34 of the intermediate housing 108 plug-in electrical connector 168 triggered or electrically contacted. Between the intermediate housing 108 and the housing cover 106 is also exemplified a second check valve 172 arranged, for example in combination with a pressure sensor. Within the valve housing is also a damping foam 174 arranged to prevent noise, especially when bleeding the valves 2 to reduce. The intermediate housing 108 has a pressure connection 170 for connection to an air supply unit as well as four consumer connections 130 for connection to four media storage, in particular air cushion of a vehicle seat with contour adjustment or massage function on.

8th shows an intermediate housing 108 according to one embodiment, namely for a valve arrangement, the more according to 1 trained valves 2 Thus, having 3/3-way valves, and for example to perform a massage function of a vehicle seat, ie for cyclic ventilation several air bags can be used or can be used with a pressure holding function for contour adjustment in a vehicle for setting a lordosis or a lateral support ,

The intermediate housing 108 has a common pressure connection 170 on, over which all valves 2 can be connected to a pneumatic pump, wherein the pressure port 170 via one inside the intermediate housing 208 trained air duct 176 each with the first areas 24a the flow chambers 24 the valves 2 is connected or opens into this. The actuator 58 is for clarity only for one of the valves 2 shown in dashed lines. An opening to the atmosphere of each valve 2 is formed in the housing cover, which are the second areas 24b the flow chambers connects with the atmosphere (cf. 1 ). Every valve 2 is associated with a media storage, with which the respective valve 2 or its second area 24b via an air duct 178 and via consumer connections 130 connected is. In such a trained intermediate housing 108 the valve arrangement has a continuous pressure range 182 on top of an electronics area 186 again over a partition 188 is disconnected. A transition 190 the printed circuit board between the printing area 182 and the electronics area 186 is pneumatically sealed.

To fill a media reservoir, air flows over the air duct 176 in the first areas 24a or in the first areas 24a comprehensive area 182 and over air gaps 92 in the actuation chamber 26 , Will the valve opening 14 opened, air flows from the first area 24a over the connection channel 24c through the valve opening 14 in the second area 24b and from there, possibly via other air ducts, not shown here, via the consumer connections 130 to the respective media storage. At the same time the actuator 58 moves, leaving the opening 32 is closed. For venting the media storage, the valve opening 14 by movement of the actuating element 16 closed in the return direction, which in turn also the actuator 58 is moved and thus the opening 32 releases. As a result, due to the pressure prevailing in the media reservoir, the air trapped therein flows through the opening 32 out of the valve 2 out. Also with the intermediate housing 108 are the air channels 176 as well as the area 182 formed by the intermediate housing itself. To hold the pressure in the media storage, the check valve 70 the valve opening 14 (see. 1 ), so that no air from the media storage in the first areas 24a can flow back.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2, 2a, 2b

Valve

4

valve housing

6

housing cover

8th

intermediate housing

10

caseback

12

valve chamber

14

valve opening

16

actuator

16a

first end portion of the actuating element

16b

second end portion of the actuating element

18

SMA element

18a

first end of the SMA element

18b

second end of the SMA element

18c

middle section of the SMA element

20

Return element (coil spring)

22

circuit board

22a

Top of the circuit board

22b

Bottom of the circuit board

24

flow chamber

24a

first area of the flow chamber

24b

second area of the flow chamber

24c

connecting channel

26

operating chamber

28

partition wall

30, 130

consumer connection

30a, 30b

End sections of the consumer connection

31a, b, c, d

Sections of the consumer connection

32

opening

34

accommodation space

36

partition

38

accommodation space

40

recess

42

first sealing element

44

Crimp

46

Recording of the crimp connector

48

Section of the crimp connector

50

clamping means

52

head Start

54

Through opening

56

slot

58

actuator

60

second sealing element

62

shift finger

63

head Start

64

Return element

66

pivot point

70

first check valve

72

third sealing element

73

through hole

74

valve seat

92

air gap

94

vane

100

valve assembly

106

housing cover

108

intermediate housing

110

caseback

116

actuator

168

Connectors

170

pressure connection

172

second check valve

174

foam cushioning

176

air duct

178

air ducts

182

pressure range

184

vent area

186

electronics sector

188

partition wall

190

splice

B

Direction of movement of the control element

H

stroke direction

R

Return direction

A ₁

lateral projection of the crimp connector

A ₂

axial projection of the crimp connector

W ₁

clear width of the end section 30b

W ₂

clear width of the end section 30a

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102005060217 [0003]

Claims (13)

Valve (2) having a valve housing (4), comprising a housing cover (6), a housing bottom (10) and an intermediate housing (8) arranged between the housing cover (6) and the housing bottom (10), the valve housing (4) having a housing Valve chamber (12) encloses, which comprises a flow chamber (24) and an actuating chamber (26), wherein the valve housing (4) at least one of the flow chamber (24) into the actuation chamber (26) opening valve opening (14), and wherein within the actuating chamber (26) at least one between a closed position for closing the valve opening (14) and an open position for releasing the valve opening (14) axially movable actuator (16), for actuating the actuating element (16) serving in the opening direction wire or ribbon-shaped SMA Element (18) made of a shape memory alloy, serving for the movement of the adjusting element (16) in the closing direction return element (20) and a printed circuit board (22) wherein the SMA element (18) is fixed to the control element (16) with a middle section (18c) and is electrically connected to the printed circuit board (22) for application of current with its ends (18a, 18b), wherein the flow chamber (24) and the actuation chamber (26) are separated from each other by a partition (28) having a valve opening (14) such that fluid flowing through the valve (2) upon actuation of the actuation element (16) passes through the flow chamber (24 ), wherein a first region (24a) of the flow chamber (24) and a second region (24b) of the flow chamber (24) via the valve opening (14) and / or a connecting channel (24c) are interconnected, wherein the valve opening ( 14) and / or the connecting channel (24c) is closed in the closed position of the adjusting element (16) and released in the open position of the adjusting element (16), wherein the first region (24a) of the flow chamber (24) for supplying air into the flow chamber (24) is connected to an air supply unit or connectable and wherein the second region (24b) of the flow chamber (24) connected to a media storage or connectable and de r second region (24b) of the flow chamber (24) for discharging air from the flow chamber (24) via an opening connected to the atmosphere or connectable, wherein within the second region (24b) of the flow chamber, an actuator (58) is arranged, which is rotatably mounted on the intermediate housing (8) and coupled to the actuating element (16), that the opening (32) to the atmosphere in the closed position released actuating element (16) is released and the opening is closed when in the release position befindendem actuator (16), wherein in or at the valve opening (14) a first check valve (70) is provided in the open position of the actuating element (16) a backflow of fluid from the second region (24b) of the flow chamber (24) via the valve opening (14) in the first Area (24a) of the flow chamber (24) prevented. Valve (2) after Claim 1 wherein the actuator (58) comprises a shift finger (62) on an end portion facing the actuator (16), and the first check valve (70) comprises a seal member (72) and a washer (72) disposed on the shift finger (62). 28) arranged valve seat (74) is formed. Valve (2) after Claim 2 wherein the sealing element (72) is a plate-shaped element or a lip seal. Valve (2) after Claim 2 or 3 , wherein the sealing element (72) made of metal, plastic or elastomer is formed. A valve (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second region of the flow chamber has an opening (32) to the atmosphere. Valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the partition wall (28) separating the flow chamber (24) and the actuation chamber (26) is formed by the intermediate housing (8). Valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow chamber (24) and the actuating chamber (26) via at least one air gap (92) are fluidically connected, wherein the air gap (92) in particular in an area surrounding the valve opening (14) arranged is. Valve (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dividing wall (28) has an intermediate wall at least partially encircling and extending in the direction of movement (B) of the adjusting element (16) into the actuating chamber (26), which has a receiving space (38 ), wherein the adjusting element (16), in particular a first, the valve opening (14) facing the end portion (16a) of the adjusting element (16) in the receiving space (38) is guided, and wherein the at least one air gap (92) opens in particular from the flow chamber (24) in the receiving space (38). Valve (2) after Claim 7 or 8th in that the adjusting element (16) has at the first end section (16a) facing the valve opening (14) a first sealing element (42) which closes the valve opening (14) and which is used to form the at least one an air gap (92) laterally spaced from the intermediate wall ends. Valve arrangement (100) having a plurality of valves (2) designed in particular according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve housing (4) enclosing the valve space (12) of a valve (2), in particular the intermediate housings (108, 208) and / or Housing cover (106) and / or housing bottoms (110), and / or printed circuit boards (122) are integrally formed. Valve arrangement (100) according to Claim 10 , wherein the plurality of valves (2) have a common pressure port (170), each in the valve chamber (12), in particular in the flow chamber (24), particularly preferably in the first region of the flow chambers (12) of the valves (2) or a region (182) comprising the first regions (24a) of the flow chambers (24) opens or in each case with the valve chamber (12), in particular the flow chamber (24), particularly preferably the first region (24a) of the flow chambers (24) or the region (182) is connected via at least one air duct (176) and wherein each valve (2) has a separate opening (32) for communicating with the atmosphere, which opens in particular in the second region (24b) of the flow chamber (24). Valve arrangement (100), according to one of Claims 10 or 11 in that the valve spaces (12) of the plurality of valves (2) are separated from the electronic board contacting space (34) by a partition wall (188), the partition wall (188) being in particular integral with the intermediate housing (108 ), wherein the partition wall (188) is in particular formed integrally with the intermediate housing (108), wherein the partition walls (188) have a pneumatically sealed passage opening in the assembled state for the printed circuit board (122). Valve arrangement (100) according to a Claims 10 to 12 in which guide elements (94) are arranged in an air channel (176) leading from the air supply unit to the flow chamber or chambers (24) in such a way that a fluid flowing in and / or through the flow chambers (24) has a laminar flow.

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